Irun to San Sebastián

I’m a bit hungry, tired, and sore in that order but I finished my first day on the Camino.  It far surpassed my expectations! Last night I found my way to the point where the Camino left Irun. I was glad this morning I had done so. I started early just as the sun was beginning to come up. I’m finding that navigating using the way markers is far more difficult in a town than on the paths.

I elected to do the “alpinist” route option  a few kilometers outside of Irun. It was billed as significantly steeper and more challenging but also more beautiful. It entailed climbing straight up (and I mean, the Spanish skipped ever learning about switchbacks) to the ridgeline of the mountains between Irun and San Sebastián. I was completely alone. It was an amazing experience. I will add a couple photos.

Got into San Sebastián fairly early in the afternoon and found my hostel.

The people along the way are so warm, kind and helpful. Sometimes it is hard to find the path and if you ask they will walk with you to the next way mark if they are afraid you won’t understand. So many great experiences make the shoulders ache a little less.